Schools Rugby: Campion edge out Reading

Reading's magnificent run in the Daily Mail U18 Cup came to an end on Saturday but 2001 champions Campion had to call upon all their renowned cup-fighting qualities to deny them a semi-final appearance.

The Hornchurch team has relied on some dogged defence to win close games away at Brighton College and now Reading to reach their fifth semi-final under coach Chris Jones, who praised Reading for giving his players one of their sternest tests of the season but felt Campion deserved their 10-6
victory.

'We had the best of the second half with the wind at our backs and had a couple of tries disallowed when they looked good,' said Jones. 'The pitch soon cut up and it was one of those days when sometimes you are better off without the ball. As everyone knows, we love to tackle!

'Reading have a useful fly half in Gareth Duncan but our scrum half Bryn Edwards gave his opposite number a hard time and so the service to Duncan was not as good as usual. Our back row were superb too, led by openside Gubby Joshi. He was outstanding again'.

Duncan kicked Reading into an early 3-0 lead before Campion centre and skipper David Joughin scored their first try after a series of rucks and quick ball set up the opportunity. Duncan restored Reading's lead at 6-5 but with Campion in the ascendancy after the break, No 8 Richard Davies scored the vital try after a catch and drive move from a line-out.

Then came the two disallowed efforts and just before the end, Campion's full back looked certain to score until the referee rather mystifyingly brought play back for a Campion penalty.

Campion head for their second home at Castlecroft, the headquarters of schools rugby near Wolverhampton, on March 6 for a semi-final against Barnard Castle, last year's losing finalists, or King Edward's, Birmingham.